Combination printer and cutting apparatus

ABSTRACT

A combination printer and cutting device for printing upon and cutting a web of media or tag stock into individual units. The device may cut vinyl, plastic, or RFID stock material as it moves through the printer in both back and forth directions. The device comprises a printer and a cutting apparatus that is further comprised of a carriage assembly and a movable cutter assembly. The cutter assembly is easily interchangeable and comprises a cutting element such as a wheel blade, and a pressure adjusting element for adjusting the amount of pressure applied by the cutting element to the stock material. Alternatively, the cutter assembly may be manufactured with a predetermined pressure load, but still permit an operator to adjust the depth of cut. The cutting apparatus is adaptable for use with both new and existing printers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/492,500 filed on May 1, 2017, U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/552,240 filed on Aug. 30, 2017, U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/552,248 filed on Aug. 30, 2017, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/552,252 filed on Aug. 30, 2017, each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a combination printer andcutting apparatus for printing upon and then cutting media to create ondemand “kiss cut” or “die cut” like labels. Traditional methods ofcreating a pressure sensitive label matrix primarily involved either adie cutting or an etching or stenciling process with a blade or a laser.For example, die cutting is typically performed with either a flatbed orrotary mechanism, and involves the process of using a die to shear websof low-strength material, such as pressure-sensitive label material.Historically, die cutting began as a process of cutting leather for theshoe industry in the mid-19th century, but evolved over time and is nowsophisticated enough to cut through a single layer of a laminate,thereby making the process applicable to the production of labels,stamps, stickers, etc. When only the top layer of a laminate is to becut, the die cutting operation is typically performed in a straight lineand is known as “kiss cutting” because the cutting process does notdisturb or cut through the laminate or label backing.

Unfortunately, there are a number of limitations associated withproducing labels, such as pressure sensitive labels, via die cutting.For example, dies can be expensive to manufacture and maintain andrequire that the operator stock dies of various shapes, sizes andconfigurations to satisfy customer demand. For example, if a customerrequires a label having a unique shape, size or configuration, the dieoperator may have to manufacture or purchase a special die to be able toproduce the labels to satisfy that particular customer, which can beboth time consuming and expensive.

Further, printers used to create tags or labels typically employ asupply of tag stock that needs to be cut into individual units onceprinting is complete. A single roll of tag or supply stock can besectioned into a large number of individual tags. Therefore, if in themiddle of a production run with a particular die, a different size orshape of label is desired, production must be interrupted so that thedie can be replaced with the desired die, which results in downtime andunwanted expense.

Printers with integrated cutting devices give users the ability to printand cut in a single operation with one device, thereby requiring lessfloor or desk space and/or footprint. Printers used to create tags orlabels may employ a supply of tag stock that needs to be cut intoindividual units once printing is complete. A single roll of tag stockcan be sectioned into a large number of individual tags. The tag stockused for many of these labels is constructed from plastic, vinyl, orRFID supply material that is more difficult to cut than paper.

Also, other existing cutters used with printers to cut these types ofmaterials suffer from other deficiencies or limitations. For example,circuit cutters are designed for cutting paper and cannot effectivelycut plastic or other heavy duty stock. Stencil cutters designed forcutting vinyl stencils are similar to a single pen plotter, but with astencil cutter holder, and an adjustable blade. Blades may havedifferent cutter angles. However, testing with printer stock has shownthat steeper profiles, such as an approximately 60 degree angle, catchthe edge of the stock and jam the carriage of the printer or cuttingdevice. Medium profiles, such as an approximately 45 degree angle, moveover the edge of the stock, but bounce causing a perfect for a shortdistance, which is undesirable. Lower profiles, such as an approximately25 degree angle, move over the edge of the stock, but the leading edgeis not perfect which is most likely caused by cutter bounce from ridingover the leading edge of the stock. Additionally, edge damage tends tobe an issue as this type of cutter moves into the stock if it is notpositioned flat on the anvil.

While flatter blade angles generally ride more easily over the leadingedge, any damage to the edge of the supply roll may still lead tojamming of the printer or cutting device. Additionally, these types ofcutter tends to wear quickly, which results in imperfect cuts to thestock over time and frequent downtime while the cutter is being repaired(e.g., sharpened) or replaced. Adhesive can also build up on the cutterblade, thereby exacerbating the problem. And, if the media being cut isnot held under some tension, jamming of the printer or other cuttingdevice may occur. Blades with flatter cutting angles and the anvils thatthey cut against are also prone to early wear and failure. There arealso limitations on the speed that the cutter can travel withoutbouncing. Furthermore, it is unclear whether rotating this type ofcutter 180° to turn and make a return cut will have an adverse impact onthe overall life of the cutter, printer or other device.

Consequently, there exists a long felt need in the art for a combinationprinter/cutter device that can cut heavy or plastic tag stock cleanlyand efficiently without jamming. There also exists a need for acombination printer/cutter device that can create a cutting operation tosimulate die cutting by cutting only the top layer or sheet of alaminate to enable a user to order and stock one base roll and generate,on demand, multiple labels of varying shapes, sizes and configurationstherefrom.

The present invention discloses a unique combination printer/cuttingapparatus capable of printing upon and then cutting tag stock or baseroll material made from plastic, vinyl, or RFID supply material, inaddition to normal and/or light weight tag or paper stock materials. Thepresent invention also discloses a unique combination printer/cuttingapparatus capable of performing “kiss cuts” and other cuts resemblingdie cuts, without the disadvantages typically associated with the use ofdie cutters. In addition, the present invention discloses unique userfeatures to configure and maintain the combination printer/cuttingapparatus and its various components in a safe and efficient manner.

The cutting apparatus of the present invention may be incorporated intoa new or used printer, such as those printers presently manufactured andsold by Avery Dennison Corporation of Pasadena, Calif. including theADTP1 and ADTP2 tag cutting printers, or as an accessory to saidprinters or as a mobile device so that it can be moved to variousdifferent locations to work with an industrial printer or othercombination.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof,comprises a combination printer/cutting device to print upon and thencut or “kiss cut” media. The combination device is preferably comprisedof a printer and a cutter apparatus that is, in turn, preferablycomprised of a cutter assembly, a carriage assembly, a drive element anda motor for powering the drive element and/or the printer. The carriageassembly is mountable within the printer and movably retains the cutterassembly.

In accordance with one embodiment, the cutter assembly, carriageassembly, drive element and motor are positioned at least partiallywithin the printer housing. The printer housing may also comprise one ormore electrical connections and/or data connections so that the cutterapparatus can take commands (via hardline or wireless) from the computerthat is driving the printer, or the printer itself. The cuttingapparatus may further comprise an entry port for receiving the printedon material from the printer, and an exit port for discharging the cutstock media. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention,the printer housing may also comprise a basket, positioned adjacent toand slightly beneath the exit port to catch and store the cut stockmedia until the operator is ready to retrieve the same.

In one embodiment, the carriage assembly comprises a base element, aguide shaft, and a screw shaft, and the base element comprises a strikeplate or anvil. The screw shaft moves the cutter assembly back and forthalong the guide shaft, and across the media or stock being cut (i.e.,cuts in both a forward and a backward direction). The cutter assemblyfurther comprises a pressure adjusting element for adjusting the amountof force or pressure that the cutting element applies to the media orstock being cut. The cutting element may comprise a first bevel and asecond bevel to better facilitate cutting in both back and forthdirections as the cutter assembly moves back and forth across the stockmedia, and is also capable of making angled cuts and perpendicular cutsacross the web.

In an alternative embodiment, the carriage assembly comprises a baseelement, a guide shaft, and a screw shaft, and the base elementcomprises a strike plate or anvil. The screw shaft moves the cutterassembly back and forth along the guide shaft, and across the media orstock being cut (i.e., cuts in both a forward and a backward direction).The cutter assembly further comprises a cutter carriage and an easilyinterchangeable cutter cartridge, wherein said cutter cartridgecomprises a cut depth adjustment knob, a detent component, an eccentricpinion shaft, a bearer roller and a cutting element. The cutting elementmay comprise a first bevel and a second bevel to better facilitatecutting in both back and forth directions as the cutter assembly movesback and forth across the stock media, and is also capable of makingangled cuts and perpendicular cuts across the web.

In one embodiment, the cutting force of the cutter assembly is notadjustable, but is of a fixed load as assembled, based on the amount offorce to cut through the most severe or hardiest of allowable media. Thecut depth is controlled by the diametric difference of an adjacentbearer roller to the cutter wheel, and can be further adjusted by theoperator for additional control by means of a rotatable eccentric pinionshaft shared by both a bearer roller and the cutter wheel.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cutter mechanism andattaching covers may be configured to have a wide angled exit throat tofacilitate the delamination and removal of newly cut labels or othermaterials from the liner carrier web. Additionally, the worm screw shaftmay be positioned closer to the cutter wheel to oppose cutter forces andminimize long term wear. Further, the cutter carrier may be comprised ofa Teflon-filled copolymer or similar material to reduce friction andwear on the device. In another embodiment, the cutting apparatus isconfigured to conform with a ribbon path of the printer to allow asclose proximity to the printer's print head as possible.

In another embodiment, the cutter wheel and depth controlling componentsare housed within a cartridge assembly that is easily installed andremoved from the cutter carrier without the use of external tools,thereby decreasing overall downtime for the cutting apparatus andresulting in cost savings for the operator. Further, said components maybe retained in position by the same component that applies the cuttingpressure to the cutter wheel.

In one embodiment, additional cut depth may be controlled by rotatingthe common eccentric shaft that supports the cutter wheel and the bearerroller up to 90° in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.More specifically, the eccentric shaft is held in an indexed position bymeans of a detent component that is actuated by the same component thatapplies cutting pressure to the cutter cartridge and cutter wheel.

In one embodiment of the present invention, cutting pressure may beattained by use of a single extension spring which rotates a pressurehub component about the worm screw shaft to result in direct line forcedownward onto the cutter cartridge and ultimately the cutter wheel. Inanother embodiment, the cutting anvil or plate, which is expected to bea wear item, may be screwed onto a mounting surface and configuredsymmetrically so as to be able to be reoriented 180° and/or flippedover. In this manner, the cutting anvil or plate could have up to fourseparate useful lives before having to be replaced, thereby resulting incost savings to the operator and less overall downtime for the cuttingapparatus.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intendedto include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages andnovel features will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of thecutting apparatus of the present invention mounted to a printer inaccordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of thecutting apparatus of the present invention mounted to the printer and incommunication with a drive assembly, all in accordance with thedisclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of thecutting apparatus of the present invention mounted to the printer and incommunication with an alternative drive assembly, all in accordance withthe disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the cuttingapparatus not mounted to a printer in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a cutterassembly of the cutting apparatus of the present invention in accordancewith the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a cuttingelement or wheel of the cutter assembly of FIG. 5A in accordance withthe disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a cuttingelement comprising a blade portion having a first bevel and a secondbevel in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7A illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of beveled angles forthe blade portion of the cutting element in accordance with thedisclosed architecture.

FIG. 7B illustrates a plan view of an alternative embodiment of beveledangles for the blade portion of the cutting element in accordance withthe disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7C illustrates a plan view of a further alternative embodiment of abeveled angle for the blade portion of the cutting element in accordancewith the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial perspective view of a portion of analternative embodiment of the cutting apparatus in accordance with thedisclosed architecture.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a base element of a carriageassembly of the cutting apparatus in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a screw shaft of the carriageassembly in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cut away view of one potential embodiment of thevarious controls of the cutting apparatus of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view of a supply stock in accordancewith the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 12B illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the supply stockof FIG. 12A in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 13 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the blade portion ofthe cutting element engaging a portion of the supply stock in accordancewith the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective front view of an alternativeembodiment of a cutting apparatus mounted to a printer with a roll ofsupply stock installed thereon, all in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture.

FIG. 15 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of an exit area of thecombination printer/cutting apparatus in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture.

FIG. 16 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a portion of thecutter assembly of the cutting apparatus of FIG. 14 in the home positionand in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 17 illustrates an enlarged perspective side cross sectional view ofthe alternative embodiment of the cutter assembly of FIG. 14 inaccordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective rear view of the alternativeembodiment of the cutter assembly of FIG. 14 in accordance with thedisclosed architecture.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective front view of the alternativeembodiment of the cutter assembly of FIG. 14, with covers removed, inaccordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective rear view of the alternativeembodiment of the cutter assembly of FIG. 14, with covers removed, inaccordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective front view of specific components ofthe alternative embodiment of the cutter assembly of FIG. 14 inaccordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective front view of specific components ofthe alternative embodiment of the cutter assembly of FIG. 14, with thecutter cartridge displaced from the cutter carrier, in accordance withthe disclosed architecture.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective front view of specific components ofthe alternative embodiment of the cutter assembly of FIG. 14, with therelease actuator removed and the cutter cartridge in an engaged positionin the cutter carrier, in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective front view of specific components ofthe alternative embodiment of the cutter assembly of FIG. 14, with thecutter cartridge in a disengaged position in the cutter carrier, inaccordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective front view of specific components ofthe alternative embodiment of the cutter assembly of FIG. 14, with thecutter cartridge and release actuator removed and the cutter cartridgedisplaced from the cutter carrier, in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture.

FIG. 26 illustrates an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of thealternative embodiment of the cutter assembly of FIG. 14 with relatedcomponents and in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of thealternative embodiment of the cutter assembly of FIG. 14 with relatedcomponents in an engaged position and in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture.

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of the eccentric pinion shaft ofthe cutter cartridge of the alternative embodiment of the cutterassembly of FIG. 14 in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 29 illustrates a side view of the eccentric pinion shaft of thecutter cartridge of the alternative embodiment of the cutter assembly ofFIG. 14 in accordance with the disclosed architecture, as viewed fromthe bearer roller side.

FIG. 30 illustrates a side view of the eccentric pinion shaft of thecutter cartridge of the alternative embodiment of the cutter assembly ofFIG. 14 in accordance with the disclosed architecture, as viewed fromthe cutter wheel side.

FIG. 31 illustrates an enlarged side view of the eccentric pinion shaftof the cutter cartridge of the alternative embodiment of the cutterassembly of FIG. 14 illustrating higher and lower positions of eccentricportions of the pinion shaft when rotated 90° in either direction, andin accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 32 illustrates a sample cut process flow chart, as controlled by amicroprocessor, in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof.

The present invention discloses a combination printer/cutting apparatusthat can print upon and then quickly and cleanly cut or “kiss cut” a webof media stock 20, such as the face sheet of a paper laminate, vinyl orRFID stock material, in both a back and forth direction, or traverse tothe direction of the web, without damaging the cutting blade or stockmaterial, or jamming the printer. The present invention is not limitedto a back and forth cutting motion, parallel to the plane of the web,and contemplates other cutting motions as well such as vertical to theplane of the web. Specifically, the cutting apparatus of the presentinvention can make “die cut” like cuts on stock 20 without sufferingfrom the same structural and operational limitations of traditional diecutting devices.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a combinationprinter/cutting device comprised of a printer 10 and a cutting apparatus100 in accordance with the present invention. The device is used toprint upon and then cut a supply stock such as, but not limited to,paper, cardboard, laminated materials, plastic, vinyl, RFID supply, andthe like, or any other material known to one of ordinary skill in theart. The supply stock may be a heavy-weight, normal or light-weightstock material known in the art.

Printer 10 may be any type of printer known in the art for printing on asupply stock including, without limitation, table top, portable, andother types of ink jet, thermal, laser printers, such as those currentlymanufactured and sold by Avery Dennison® Corporation of Pasadena, Calif.including the ADTP1 and ADTP2 tag cutting printers. While it iscontemplated that printer 10 and cutting apparatus will be integrallyhoused in the same device, cutting apparatus 100 may also be anaccessory to printer 10 and can be positioned downstream of printer 10to cut printed on supply stock 20 supplied by the printer, or used inwireless communication with said printer. In one embodiment presentlycontemplated, the cutting apparatus 100 may be placed upstream, prior toprinting.

Cutting apparatus 100 is mountable on both new and user printers 10, asneeded. To mount on an existing or used printer 10, the cuttingapparatus 100 may be mounted using the existing holes used to mount astripper bracket (not shown). Alternatively, the cutting apparatus 100may also be adaptable as an accessory for connection to an outlet port(not shown) of an existing table top, portable, or other type of inkjet, thermal, laser printer, or used in wireless communication with saidprinter 10.

Cutting apparatus 100 is preferably comprised of a carriage assembly 102and a repositionable cutter assembly 116 having a cutting element 134that is permitted to travel along a shaft, such as a screw shaft 114, asexplained more fully below. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the carriageassembly 102 may comprise a base element 104 and a pair of side brackets110 extending upwardly therefrom. Each of the pair of side brackets 110is attachable to the printer, typically in the same screw holes as theslot usually occupied by an existing stripper (not shown). Morespecifically, each of the pair of side brackets 110 is attachable toprinter 10 by any means commonly known in the art such as fasteners,tabs, etc. Once attached, the cutting apparatus 100 is locatedsubstantially adjacent to the printer's print head assembly (not shown).The supply stock 20 accepts printing and then moves through the cuttingapparatus 100 for sectioning into individual labels or tags.Furthermore, the cutting apparatus 100 is easily removable so that theprinter 10 can be reconverted back to a stand-alone printer as needed.

The combination printer and cutting device may further comprise a basketor tray (not shown) positioned adjacent to and below the exit port ofcutting apparatus 100 to receive the printed on and/or cut supply stock20 as it is discharged from cutting apparatus 100, and store the samefor the user (not shown).

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 9, the cutter bracket or base element 104preferably cooperates with a mounting frame 106 and a strike plate 108,which functions as an anvil for a cutting element 134. The mountingframe 106 and the strike plate 108 may be integrated into a single unit,or the strike plate 108 may be separate and detachable for replacementdue to wear or as otherwise needed. The base element 104 may bemanufactured from aluminum, mild steel, or any other suitably material.The material used to construct the base element 104 or, if applicable,strike plate 108 in one embodiment, may be softer than the material usedto construct the cutting element 134, in order to minimize wear and tearon cutting element 134. If the strike plate element 108 is detachable,the mounting frame 106 and a strike plate 108 may be manufactured fromdifferent materials to decrease cost. In one embodiment, the strikeplate 108 is positioned adjacent or substantially adjacent to theprinter's print head so that as printed upon supply stock 20 is receivedby cutting apparatus 100 from printer 10 it automatically passes overstrike plate 108 where it is sectioned into individual labels or tags bycutting element 134 that are then discharged from cutting apparatus 100and fall into a basket (not shown), where they may be stored untilretrieved by the operator.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 10, carriage assembly 102 furthercomprises a guide shaft 112 and a worm or screw shaft 114. The guideshaft 112 is a shaft such as, but not limited to, a high pitch linearshaft, capable of moving the cutter assembly 116 across the supply stock20 in either direction (i.e., forwards or backwards) at productionspeeds. The guide shaft 112 spans the cutting apparatus 100 betweensides of the cutter assembly cover and the pair of side brackets 110,and is located above strike plate 108 but below screw shaft 114.

Screw shaft 114 is typically a threaded rod such as, but not limited to,an acme thread, or any similar threaded rod capable of functioning as aworm screw. In one embodiment, screw shaft 114 may be a McMaster-CarrUltra-Smooth Threaded Rod 6350K16 with a ⅜^(th) inch-5 thread, with a5:1 speed ratio and a one inch travel/turn. Another embodiment mayemploy a ⅜-12 acme thread requiring twelve revolutions per inch oftravel. The screw shaft 114 also spans the cutting apparatus 100 betweenthe pair of side brackets 110 and is located above both the guide shaft112 and the strike plate 108. One end of the screw shaft 114 maypenetrate one of the pair of side brackets 110 so that it can engage adrive element 146 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and described infra.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 8, cutter assembly 116 comprises cuttingelement 134, a guide element 118, a cutter holder 124, and a pressureadjusting element 130. The guide element 118 comprises a continuousguide shaft hole or opening 120 for receiving and engaging the guideshaft 112, and a continuous screw shaft hole 122 located above the guideshaft hole/opening 120 for receiving and engaging screw shaft 114. Thepressure adjusting element 130 may be a separate component, or mayalternatively be integrated into a top of the guide element 118. Thepressure adjusting element 130 comprises a plurality of adjusters 132such as, but not limited to, screws, pins, rod and/or spring components,or any similar type of adjusting element known to one of ordinary skillin the art. The plurality of adjusters 132 enable the cutter holder 124to be repositioned relative to pressure adjusting element 130 to adjustthe distance therebetween. For example, in FIG. 5A, an operator mayincrease or decrease the distance by turning fastener 117 in a clockwiseor counterclockwise direction, respectively. Generally, the shorter thedistance between cutter holder 124 and pressure adjusting element 130,the greater the pressure or force the cutting element 134 exerts on thesupply stock 20 and the strike plate or anvil 108.

Cutter holder 124 comprises a guard portion 126 for retaining cuttingelement 134 and an axle 128 for rotatably holding cutting element 134 inplace. The cutter holder 124 may be manufactured from any durablematerial, such as metal or plastic, and may be manufactured additively,by injection molding, or any other suitable manufacturing technique.Additionally, the cutter holder 124 may be detached from cutter assembly116 so that a user can replace the entire cutter holder assembly(including cutting element 134) when, for example, cutting element 134becomes dull or damaged, all without risk of injury. Alternatively, thecutting element 134 may be removed by itself for individual replacementor repair (e.g., sharpening), as desired.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5B, 6, and 7A-C, the cutting element 134 istypically a wheel knife that is retained by the cutter holder 124. Thecutting element 134 may comprise a shaft hole 136, an inner lip 138, anda blade portion 140. The blade portion 140 may be inset within the guardportion 126 of the cutter holder 124 to protect both the operator andthe sharp edge from being damaged. Cutting element 134 is easilyreplaceable, and may be manufactured from tool steel, carbide compounds,or any similar material known to one of ordinary skill in the art foruse in cutting implements. When cutting the supply stock 20, the cuttingelement 134 presses against the stationary strike plate 108 of thecarriage assembly 102 to completely sever the supply stock 20.Alternatively, pressure adjusting element 130 may be adjusted ormanipulated so that cutting element 134 does not cut through the entirethickness of supply stock 20 (also known as a “kiss cut”), as may bedesired by a user.

As best illustrated in FIG. 7C, blade portion 140 of cutting element 134may comprise a first bevel 142. An angle of the first bevel 142 may varybased on the material and/or thickness of the supply stock 20 to be cut,and an operator can select an appropriate angle of bevel to administerthe proper force necessary to cut the supply stock 20 cleanly andefficiently. While any angle may be used, embodiments of the presentinvention may employ bevel angles ranging from approximately 25 toapproximately 60 degrees depending on the particular application.

As best shown in FIGS. 7A-B, blade portion 140 may further comprise asecond bevel 144 with a similar angle to first bevel 142 to increasecutting efficiency when cutting in both back and forth directions.Additionally, the second bevel 144 may create a smaller contact pointwhich reduces adhesive displacement on the stock supply 20 and improvesblade life by keeping the blade portion 140 substantially free ofadhesive buildup that may otherwise result from repeated contact withsupply stock 20, and result in the dulling of blade 140. Any number ofbevels for the blade portion 140 is contemplated by the presentinvention.

Experimentation shows that supply stock 20 cut quality is generallyequal in both cutting directions when using a cutting element 134 suchas a carbide cutting element with a pressure of approximately 5.4lb./in, or a tool steel cutting element 134 with a pressure ofapproximately 4.2 lb./in. Testing with a 60 degree inclusive doublebevel wheel knife also demonstrates that cutting spring force isapproximately equal to 3.3 lb./in; force for a 25 degree single bevelcarbide wheel knife is approximately equal to 5.4 lb./in; and force fora 25 degree single bevel tool steel 110895 is approximately equal to 5.4lb./in. Nonetheless, other pressures and bevel angles are alsocontemplated without affecting the overall concept of the presentinvention.

As best shown in FIG. 3, combination printer and cutting device orcutting apparatus 100 may further comprise a drive element 146 and amotor 147 for operating drive element 146. Drive element 146 may be abelt, pulley, shaft, and the like, or any element capable of rotatingscrew shaft 114. Motor 147 is typically a stepper motor controlled byassociated firmware, carriage sensor support, an independent PC board,and power support as generally illustrated in FIG. 11, however, thepresent invention contemplates any type of motor. Additional control maybe exerted with fixed pressure settings, “C” type sensors or microswitches instead of mechanical switches, a lower turn bar, and a mediatensioner. Reconfiguring an existing ADTP1 printer to utilize thesubject invention requires replacing the platen roller frame and addinga stepper motor circuit to drive the carriage stepper motor.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, motor 147requirements and operating parameters for the screw driven concept maycomprise one or more of the following: (i) a maximum peak torque todrive shaft at 5.8 lb./in load in the cutter wheel is approximatelyequal to 12.3 oz./in; (ii) a minimum peak torque to drive shaft at 4.2lb./in load in the cutter wheel is approximately equal to 8.75 oz./in;(iii) the full travel distance for a four inch wide media isapproximately 4.5 inches including ramp up and ramp down; (iv) 10Ttiming pulley on a threaded shaft; (v) 20T timing pulley on motor; (vi)cutter travel time on a test bed is approximately equal to a threesecond cycle with a two second cut time with a twelve revolution to oneinch travel; and (vii) changing the wheel knife profile to a doublebevel reduces cutter load force. Notwithstanding, the forgoingparameters are presented for illustrative purposes only and should notbe construed as limitations as the cutting apparatus 100 of the presentinvention is contemplated to also operate in accordance with variousother parameters.

As previously discussed, the combination printer and cutting device ofthe present invention is used to print upon and then cut or “kiss cut”supply stock 20. As illustrated in FIG. 12A, supply stock 20 maycomprise a web or roll of the tag or label stock material that may beprinted upon by printer 10, and then cut by the cutting apparatus 100into individual tags or labels. Additionally, supply stock 20 could befed in a roll to roll matrix with an external liner take-up containingthe cut label matrix. As illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the supplystock 20 may be cut into a portion 22 of the supply stock 20, such as alabel. The cutting apparatus 100 may be designed to employ variable cutson demand so that the portion of the supply stock 22 may vary in sizeand/or shape as desired. Further, the cutting apparatus 100 of thepresent invention may be used to make “kiss cuts”, meaning that only thetop layer of a label stock 20, such as a pressure sensitive label stock,may be cut, while the backing remains intact.

More specifically and as shown in FIG. 12B, supply stock 20 may comprisea top or face element 24, an adhesive element 26, and a liner element28. The face element 24 may be manufactured from a thermal direct orthermal transfer paper, or any other suitable label material. Theadhesive element 26 may be manufactured from a true cut adhesivedesigned not to flow into the area of a cut and is positioned orsandwiched between said face element 24 and liner element 28. The linerelement 28 may be manufactured from a backer material such as, but notlimited to, BG30, BG25, PET12, or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 13,and explained more fully below, the cutting apparatus 100 may beconfigured to cut the supply stock 20 to a depth that does notcompletely penetrate the supply stock 20. More specifically, pressureadjusting element 130 of cutting apparatus 100 may be configured to cutthrough face element 24 and adhesive element 26, but not into or throughbacking paper or liner element 28.

The continued description below relates to an alternative embodiment ofthe cutter assembly. Except as otherwise noted, the alternativeembodiment of the cutter assembly of the present invention utilizessimilar drive components except that the cutting pressure applied bysaid cutter assembly to supply stock 20 is not adjustable but rather isa fixed load as assembled, and the cutting depth is controlled by thediametric differences of the cutter wheel/blade and an adjacent bearerroller, as well as additional cutting depth controls that are adjustableby an operator.

Other differences between cutter assembly 116 and the alternativeembodiment of the cutter assembly 424 are described more fully below andin FIGS. 14-31. While a number of said FIGS. depict alternative cutterassembly 424 as an integral part of printer 10, such as for example anADTP1 or ADTP2 printer presently manufactured and sold by Avery DennisonCorporation of Pasadena, Calif., it should be appreciated that saidFIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that alternative cutterassembly 424 may also be used with cutting apparatus 100 as a printeraccessory (i.e., not integrally housed in printer 10).

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective front view of an alternativeembodiment of a cutting apparatus mounted to printer 10 with a roll ofsupply stock 20 installed thereon, and FIG. 15 illustrates an enlargedperspective view of an exit area of the combination printer and cuttingdevice of the present invention with a wide throat area to facilitatethe delamination and removal of newly cut labels or other materials fromthe liner carrier web.

The cutting apparatus 100 comprises a carriage assembly 102. As inprevious embodiments, the carriage assembly 102 comprises a base element104, a guide shaft 112, and a screw shaft 114. The base element 104comprises a mounting surface 106, such as a frame, and a strike plate108. In the prior embodiments described above, the guide shaft 112 waspositioned below the screw shaft 114, and downstream of a supply path ofthe supply stock 20. Additionally, in previous embodiments, the screwshaft 114 was positioned above the guide shaft 112, and was offset fromthe applied cutting forces of cutting apparatus 100.

However, in the alternative embodiment of the present invention, thelocations of the guide shaft 112 and the screw shaft 114 are reversed sothat the screw shaft 114 is positioned below the guide shaft 112. Inthis lower position, screw shaft 114 is closer and more normal (i.e., atan approximate right angle) to opposing cutting forces as practical,which minimizes cantilevered loads and reduces the potential for longterm wear on the various moving components, while still permitting anoperator easy and open access to cutting apparatus 100 to remove the cutor “kiss cut” labels. Further, in this particular embodiment, the upperguide shaft 112 is now positioned further away from screw shaft 114 toreduce the rotational load on the sliding guide features. Additionally,the cutting anvil or strike plate 108, which is typically considered awear item, may be screwed or otherwise attached into position on themounting surface 106 and configured symmetrically so as to be able to bereoriented 180° and/or flipped over. In this manner, the cutting anvilor strike plate 108 could have up to four separate useful lives beforehaving to be replaced, thereby resulting in cost savings to the user andless downtime for the device and its operator.

Having described the general differences between other components ofcutting apparatus 100 necessary to function with alternative cutterassembly 424, the actual cutter assembly will now be described ingreater detail. FIGS. 17-20 all illustrate portions of cutter assembly424 in the home position, and ready to receive cutting instructions andbegin a cutting process. More specifically, FIG. 16 is an enlargedperspective view of a portion of cutter assembly 424, partiallyobstructed by a protective cover, and FIG. 17 illustrates an enlargedperspective side cross-sectional view of the cutter assembly 424. FIG.18 illustrates a perspective rear view of cutter assembly 424 with theprotective cover removed, and FIGS. 18-20 show a wide-angled exitopening of cutting apparatus 100 and cutter assembly 424, allowing foreasy removal of a cut label from a supply stock 20. This also allows anoperator easy access to install or load the supply stock 20 into cuttingapparatus 100.

Cutter assembly 424 comprises a cutter carrier 426 and a removablecutter cartridge 438, each of which are described more fully below.Additionally, in this particular embodiment of the present invention andas best shown in FIGS. 18-20, the cutting apparatus 100 furthercomprises a cartridge release actuator 412 (also indicated by 416)comprising a cartridge release tab 418 and an actuator tab 420. Thecartridge release actuator 416 (412) is preferably positioned on the“home” side of cutting apparatus 100 and outboard of cutter assembly424, which is preferably located on the end of screw shaft 114 oppositethat of drive element 146. Cartridge release actuator 412 (416) allowsan operator to release and remove cutter cartridge 438 as an entire unitfrom the cutter carrier 426 of cutter assembly 424 without the need forexternal tools. More specifically, the operator actuates or presses thecartridge release tab 418 in a backward or counter-clockwise directionwhich, in turn, permits the cutter cartridge 438 to engage or disengagewith the cutter assembly 424. In this manner, cutter assembly 424 caneasily be repaired or replaced with minimal effort, risk of injuryand/or downtime. As best illustrated in FIG. 20, cutting apparatus 100may further comprise an optical interrupt sensor 422 and opticalinterrupt blades or ribs (not shown) on the cutter carrier 426 to allowappropriate sensing for motor control at the end of a cutting process.

The cutter carrier 426 is preferably manufactured from a low frictionmaterial, such as, but not limited to, a Teflon filled copolymer toreduce friction and wear of sliding contact surfaces in cooperation withthe upper guide shaft 112. As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the cuttercarrier 426 is positioned on an end of guide shaft 112, preferablyopposite the side of drive element 146 and comprises a guide shaft holeor opening 428 for accepting and retaining guide shaft 112. The cuttercarrier 426 further comprises a worm shaft hole or opening 430 and aworm screw nut 432. The worm shaft hole 430 rotatably accepts the screwshaft 114, which is retained by the worm screw nut 432, as best shown inFIG. 17. The guide shaft opening 428 in this embodiment is located abovethe worm shaft opening 430. The cutter carrier 426 further comprises acutter cartridge holder 434 for releasably retaining the cuttercartridge 438. The cutter cartridge holder 434 may comprise a pluralityof attachment points 436 such as diametric posts or hooks for cradlingor supporting cutter cartridge 438.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section of the cutting apparatus 100, andshows how a spring load is attained and applied to cutter cartridge 438.More specifically, cutting apparatus 100 further comprises a pressurehub 466 and a pressure adjusting element 472. The pressure adjustingelement 472 is typically a single spring, such as a compression spring,as described supra. The single spring embodiment of the presentinvention frees up valuable space required for other component of theprinter 10 and cutting apparatus 100 and is less complex to assemble andmaintain. Additionally, the use of single spring 472 permits the guideshaft 112 and the screw shaft 114 to be repositioned in relation to theapplied resistive forces, thereby avoiding cantilevered loading anddecreasing wear on related moving components of cutting apparatus 100.

Cutting pressure is applied via the single extension spring 472 outboardof the guide shaft 112 and the screw shaft 114. As illustrated in FIG.27, the pressure adjusting element/spring 472 is positioned between andattached to a cutter carrier attachment point 474 and a pressure hubattachment point 476, which is attached to or a part of pressure hub466. The pressure hub 466 is rotatable about the end of screw shaft 114,and is retained by worm screw nut 432. Pressure hub 466 comprises apressure exerting portion 468 and an actuator tab element 470. Morespecifically, the tension in extension spring 472 and the rotatableconnection of pressure hub 466 about screw shaft 114 results in adownward force or pressure being applied by pressure exerting portion468 onto a detent component 446 of cutter cartridge 438. This designresults in a continuous, direct, in-line pressure being applied tocutting blade 462 of the cutter cartridge 438, while maintaining acompact, simple assembly. All load bearing components are in closeproximity to each other and are configured to reduce long term wear,which could result in downtime and lost productivity.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate the cutting apparatus 100 without covers,which includes a motor 147 and belt drive 146 arrangement for rotatingscrew shaft 114 in a manner similar to that which is described supra.Also specifically illustrated is how a counter-clockwise rotation of thecartridge release actuator 416, from a first position shown in FIG. 21to a second position in FIG. 22, causes engagement with actuator tabelement 470 on the rotatable cut pressure hub 466, which, in turn causesextension spring 472 to elongate. As spring 472 elongates and pressurehub 466 rotates about screw shaft 114 in a counter-clockwise direction,pressure exerting portion 468 disengages from detent component 446 ofcutter cartridge 438 to keep it engaged with attachment points 436. Withpressure no longer being applied to detent component 446 of cuttercartridge 438, cutter cartridge 438 can easily be removed andre-installed from the cutter carrier 426.

FIG. 21 illustrates pressure exerting portion 468 engaging, and applyingpressure to, detent component 446 of cutter cartridge 438, therebycausing cutter cartridge 438 to be retained in said plurality ofattachment points 436 of cutter carrier 426. FIG. 22 illustratespressure exerting portion 468 disengaged from, and no longer applyingpressure to, detent component 446 of cutter cartridge 438, therebypermitting cutter cartridge 438 to be removed from said plurality ofattachment points 436 and cutter carrier 426.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective front view of the cutter assembly 424with the release actuator 416 removed and the cutter cartridge 438 in anengaged position in the cutter carrier 426. FIG. 24 illustrates aperspective front view of the cutter assembly with the pressure hub 466fully rotated, thereby releasing pressure on the cutter cartridge 438.With said pressure removed, cutter cartridge 438 is shown slid to a topof the retaining slots or the attachment points 436 of the cuttercartridge holder 434 as would be the case during installation or removalof the cutter cartridge 438.

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective front view of the cutter assembly 424with the release actuator 416 removed and the pressure hub rotated intothe disengaged position, thereby allowing the cutter cartridge 438 to bedisplaced from the cutter carrier 426. It should be apparent that thefour diametric posts of the cutter cartridge 438 align and engage withthe four matching slots of the cutter cartridge holder 434 in the cuttercarrier 426.

FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate, among other things, an enlargedcross-sectional view of the cutter cartridge 438 and its variouscomponents. More specifically, cutter cartridge 438 comprises a housing440, a pair of spaced apart grips or handles 442, a cut depth adjustmentknob 444, detent component 446, a pinion shaft 448, a bearer roller 456,a plurality of bearings 458, a plurality of spacers 460, and a cuttingblade 462.

Housing 440 is used to support the various components of cuttercartridge 438 and, as best illustrated in FIG. 25, one of said pair ofgrips 442 is positioned on each side of housing 440 to allow an operatorto easily and securely handle cutter cartridge 438, for example, wheninstalling and/or removing the same from cutter carrier 426. As bestshown in FIGS. 21-25, rotatable cut depth adjustment knob 444 has aplurality of grooves or notches positioned around at least a portion ofits circumference for engaging a pointed portion of detent component446, and an indicator appearing on its face to permit the operator toadjust and keep track of the amount of its rotation, which representsdepth of cut. More specifically, the slideably retained detent component446 engages with a select one of said plurality of grooves of the cutdepth adjustment knob 444 to retain the cut depth adjustment knob 444 ina specific and desired rotationally indexed position and, as describedsupra, the detent component 446 is held down in position by the pressureapplied by the rotatable pressure hub 466 via pressure exerting portion468. FIGS. 26-27 also illustrate how cut pressure is applied to thehousing 440 and ultimately to the cutting blade 462 and the bearerroller 456, as well as applying pressure to retain the pointed end ofthe detent component 446 into indexed cooperation with a select groovein the cut depth adjusting knob 444.

Cut depth adjusting knob 444 may be rotated up to 90° in either aclockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Rotation of cut depthadjusting knob 444, in turn, causes the eccentric pinion shaft 448 torotate within housing 440. As best shown in FIGS. 26-27, eccentricpinion shaft 448 directly supports plurality of bearings 458 andplurality of spacers 460, and indirectly supports bearer roller 456 andcutting blade 462, as described more fully below.

FIG. 28 further illustrates eccentric pinion shaft 448, which comprisesa pair of housing supports 450 positioned at the ends of eccentricpinion shaft 448, a bearer roller support 452 positioned adjacent to oneof said housing supports 450, and a cutter wheel support 454 positionedadjacent to the opposite housing support 450. Further, a spacer or ridgeR may be integrally formed in and extend outwardly from and around thecircumference of eccentric pinion shaft 448, as shown in FIGS. 26-28,between said bearer roller support 452 and said cutter wheel support454. Importantly, the pair of housing supports 450 and the bearer rollersupport 452 are concentrically aligned, but neither the housing supportsnor the bearer roller support 452 are concentrically aligned with thecutter wheel support 454. Stated differently, the centerline of cutterwheel support 454 is eccentric or offset from the other sections of theeccentric pinion shaft 448, as explained more fully below.

As discussed supra and best illustrated in FIG. 26, at least one of saidplurality of bearings 458 is positioned along eccentric pinion shaft 448on each side of ridge R and over top of each of bearer roller support452 and cutter wheel support 454. Further, at least one of saidplurality of spacers 460 is also positioned along eccentric pinion shaft448 adjacent to the outboard side of each of bearings 458, andimmediately adjacent to each of said bearer roller support 452 andcutter wheel support 454. Cutter wheel or blade 462 may be any cutterknown in the art, but is preferably similar to cutting element 134, asdescribed supra. Cutter wheel 462 is positioned along eccentric pinionshaft 448 over top of bearing 458 which is, in turn, over top of cutterwheel support 454. Similarly, bearer roller 456 is positioned alongeccentric pinion shaft 448 over top of bearing 458 which is, in turn,over top of bearer roller support 452. Additionally, bearer roller 456is typically slightly smaller in diameter than cutting wheel 462, whichnominally controls a fixed depth of cut. Additionally, because cuttingwheel 462 is rotatably mounted on a bearing 458 that is, in turn,mounted on eccentric section of the pinion shaft 448, when pinion shaft448 is rotated, cutting wheel 462 will be slightly higher (or lower)than the bearer roller 456, which provides an extended range of cuttingdepth adjustment to account for other variations in the supply stockthickness, stiffness, or other manufacturing variables.

FIG. 29 illustrates an end view of the eccentric pinion shaft 448 asviewed from the bearer roller support 452 side, and illustrates theoffset relationship of a center 457 of the bearer roller 456 and thebearer roller support 452 versus a center 464 of the cutting wheel 462and the cutter wheel support 454. It should be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art that as eccentric pinion shaft 448 is rotatedup to 90 degrees in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (byan operator turning or rotating cut depth adjusting knob 444) about thebearer roller center 457, the center 464 of the cutting blade 462becomes vertically higher or lower than the center 457 of the bearerroller 452, as also illustrated in FIGS. 30-31. When held in a lockedposition by the cut depth adjustment knob 444 and the spring loadeddetent component 446, this vertically higher or lower positionaldisplacement of the cutting wheel center 464 can further adjust thedepth of a cut of the cutting blade 462, which is being controlled bythe adjacent bearer roller 456.

FIG. 30 illustrates the same relationship of offset centers 457 and 464as described supra, but as viewed from the cutting blade 462 side of theeccentric pinion shaft 448. Further, FIG. 31 illustrates an enlarged endview of the offset centers 457 and 464 of the cutter wheel support 454of the eccentric pinion shaft 448 and the bearer roller support 452 ofthe eccentric pinion shaft 448. It should be apparent that when rotatingthe eccentric pinion shaft 448 approximately between +90 degrees or −90degrees from the nominal position, the center of the cutter wheelsupport sections 454 becomes higher or lower than the bearer rollersupport section 452 of the eccentric pinion shaft 448, which will resultin slightly deeper or shallower cutting of the supply stock 20.

As opposed to cutter assembly 116 discussed supra in which cut depth iscontrolled solely by the amount of cutting pressure applied whichdiffers depending on stock thickness, stiffness, density, and bladewear, the cutting force of cutter assembly 424 is constant and notadjustable. Stated differently, the amount of force required to cut intothe worst case or hardiest supply stock 20 is designed into the cutterassembly 424, and the nominal cut depth is controlled by the diameterdifferential of the cutting blade 462 and the bearer roller 456 of aslightly smaller diameter than the cutting blade 462 and runs adjacentto the cutting blade 462. Both the bearer roller 456 and the cuttingblade 462 rotate on the eccentric pinion shaft 448, but the cutter wheelsupport section 454 is on an eccentric or offset center from the bearerroller support 452. This allows for further cut depth adjustment (plusor minus) by manually rotating the cut depth adjuster which, in turn,rotates the eccentric pinion shaft 448 such that the offset center ofthe cutting blade 462 becomes higher or lower than the controllingbearer roller 456. The rotatable pinion shaft 448 is indexed andretained in adjusted positions by an externally knurled or grooved knob(not shown) which is pressed into an end of the pinion shaft 448 andcooperates with the detent component 446 that is slidably retainedwithin the cutter cartridge housing 440 and held in position by the samepressure hub 466 that applies the cutting pressure to the entire cutterassembly 424.

In summary, the cutter assembly 424 offers many distinct advantagesincluding, without limitation, the following: (i) the cutter mechanismand attaching covers may be configured to have a wide angled exit throatto facilitate the delamination and removal of newly cut labels or othermaterials from the liner carrier web; (ii) the cutter wheel and depthcontrolling components are housed within a cartridge assembly that iseasily installed and removed without the use of external tools, therebydecreasing downtime for the device and resulting in cost savings for theuser; (iii) the cutter wheel and depth controlling components may beretained in position by the same component that apply the cuttingpressure; (iv) cutting pressure may be attained by use of a singleextension spring which rotates a pressure hub component about the wormscrew shaft to result in direct line force downward onto the cuttercartridge; and (v) additional cut depth may be controlled by rotatingthe common eccentric shaft that supports the cutter wheel and the bearerroller.

FIG. 32 illustrates a sample cut process flow chart, as controlled by amicroprocessor. More specifically, the process of cutting supply stock20 using cutting apparatus 100 begins at 3310 when a cut command isreceived by a controller board at 3320. At 3330, the process determinesif the knife or cutter is in the home position using sensors. Thesensors may be mounted on the adjustable guide to control the cut widthor, alternatively, the cut width can be controlled by themicroprocessor. If the cutter is not in the home position, an error isdetected at 3360 and the cut process terminates at 3375.

If, on the other hand, it is determined that the cutter is in the homeposition at 3335, then the cutter may be driven inward at 3340 oroutward at 3350 and, during the entire process, a busy signal ismonitored 3355 by the microprocessor until the cutter is returned to thehome position at 3365. If the cutter does not return to the homeposition as expected or the busy signal is removed before the homesensor is engaged, an error is detected at 3360 and the cut processterminates at 3375. If, on the other hand, the cutter is returned homeat 3365 and the motor signal is low, the process was successfullycompleted and, at 3370, a cut count is incremented and the process exitsat 3375.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimedsubject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination printing and cutting devicecomprising: a printer; a carriage assembly; and a cutter assemblymovably attached to the carriage assembly.
 2. The combination printingand cutting device of claim 1, wherein the carriage assembly comprises ascrew shaft for moving the cutter assembly.
 3. The combination printingand cutting device of claim 2, wherein the screw shaft is a worm screw.4. The combination printing and cutting device of claim 1, wherein thecutter assembly comprises a cutting element.
 5. The combination printingand cutting device of claim 4, wherein the cutting element is a wheelknife.
 6. The combination printing and cutting device of claim 1,wherein the cutter assembly cuts in two directions.
 7. The combinationprinting and cutting device of claim 1, wherein the carriage assemblycomprises a guide shaft for directing the cutter assembly.
 8. Acombination printing and cutting device comprising: a printer; acarriage assembly; a cutter assembly movably attached to the carriageassembly; and a pressure adjusting element.
 9. The combination printingand cutting device of claim 8, wherein the cutter assembly comprises acutting element.
 10. The combination printing and cutting device ofclaim 8, wherein the carriage assembly retains the cutter assembly. 11.The combination printing and cutting device of claim 8, wherein thedevice further comprises a drive element for moving the cutter assemblyalong the carriage assembly.
 12. The combination printing and cuttingdevice of claim 9, wherein the cutting element is capable of makingangled cuts on a stock material.
 13. The combination printing andcutting device of claim 8, wherein the carriage assembly comprises ananvil.
 14. A combination printing and cutting device comprising: aprinter; a carriage assembly; a cutter assembly comprised of a cuttercarrier and a cutter cartridge; and a drive element.
 15. The combinationprinting and cutting device of claim 14 further comprising a cartridgerelease actuator, a pressure adjusting element and a pressure hub. 16.The combination printing and cutting device of claim 15, wherein saidpressure adjusting element controls the amount of pressure applied bysaid cutter cartridge to a stock material.
 17. The combination printingand cutting device of claim 14, wherein the cutter cartridge comprises acut depth adjuster, an eccentric pinion shaft and a cutting blade. 18.The combination printing and cutting device of claim 17, wherein thecutter cartridge further comprises a detent component and a bearerroller.
 19. The cutting apparatus of claim 17, wherein said eccentricpinion shaft comprises a housing support, a bearer roller support and acutter wheel support.
 20. A cutter assembly comprising: a cuttingelement, a guide element, a holder; and a pressure adjusting element.